With the competition in robotics ever increasing, (especially between Japan and Europe), cutting-edge technology will be the decisive factor which determines success. We believe Europe can achieve the “cutting-edge” advantage through a very close collaboration of robot manufacturers and research institutes. Thus, ECHORD’s overall objective is to encourage and support Europe’s robot industry to bring technology forward and to build up excellence in well-defined areas. ECHORD provides incentives that encourage European robot manufacturers and research institutes to work together on an operational level, with tangible and measurable results to accelerate the development of technologies and their deployment into new application scenarios. This intensive collaboration will take place within ECHORD, but will also have a lasting impact on the entire European robotics industry in general. ECHORD is committed to increasing the competitive edge of European robotics and securing its place on the global playing field.